Arsène Wenger believes that André Santos suffered at Arsenal because of a lack of games and believes the Brazilian can regain his confidence on loan at Grêmio.

Santos, 29, moved to Grêmio last week on a year-long loan deal, which will be reviewed after six months, after dropping down the pecking order at Arsenal behind Kieran Gibbs and new signing Nacho Monreal.

“He moved because he'd lost a bit of confidence and he needs to play,” Wenger told reporters before the FA Cup tie against Blackburn.

“He's a guy who's a very good football player, but he didn't get enough games.

“He's more at ease in my opinion on the left of midfield, where there's a lot of competition. He will be back at the end of July, and of course he can have a future at Arsenal. That depends as well on the ins and outs during the summer.”

Arsenal are expected to have a clear out of the squad this summer with a number of former first team players being sent out on loan after falling out of favour.